Danny Murphy has called out England manager Gareth Southgate for not selecting Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis in the England squad.
Speaking on talkSPORT radio, Murphy said, “When you look at some of the other players who he could try in that Henderson/Phillips role, we’re not short. Rico Lewis plays in that role for Man City so often, and Pep picks him ahead of Phillips.
“We keep saying he’s the best manager and coach in the world. Do we not trust in his judgement? Rico Lewis should be in the squad. He’s playing for Man City, in big games and being brilliant. Never loses the ball.”
When challenged about whether fielding a midfield of both Bellingham and Lewis could be too inexperienced and risky, Murphy disagreed, saying, “No I don’t think so. Not when he’s playing at the level he is.”
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Rico Lewis, 18, has featured four times for the England U21s side, but has yet to receive his first call-up to the senior side, despite becoming a prominent squad member for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Comfortable playing at full-back on both sides, as well as being able to operate in central midfield, Lewis’ inclusion could provide Southgate with a similarly tactically flexible option that Guardiola has in his squad.
Not that it matters for England in the short term, having secured qualification for Euro 2024 following their 3-1 victory over Italy on Tuesday night. The Three Lions are priced at 9/2 to win the tournament in Germany next summer.
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